By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Thousands of sailors and Marines from the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed from Naval Station Norfolk on Friday. The deployment, comprised of over 4,500 personnel and three ships, is heading to the southern Caribbean to support anti-drug trafficking operations, according to defense officials. This deployment is part of a broader repositioning of air and naval forces in the region, with the potential for military action against designated foreign terrorist organizations. This marks the first amphibious ready group deployment with embarked Marines since December.
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4,500 Marines and sailors deploy to Caribbean for anti-cartel mission. It sounds like a significant undertaking, with a considerable number of personnel heading to the Caribbean. This mission, aimed at combating drug cartels, has sparked a lot of discussion.
The fact that this deployment is happening might feel like déjà vu for some, who’ve seen similar efforts before. There’s a recognition that this isn’t a new phenomenon and that such operations have been ongoing, like the Canadian “Op Caribbe,” which has sent ships to the area frequently. Some have even pointed out the cyclical nature of these types of interventions, highlighting the long history of the “war on drugs.”
Focusing on the demand side of the equation is something that gets mentioned. Many point out that addressing the demand for drugs might be more effective in the long run than solely focusing on disrupting the supply. The underlying social, cultural, and even psychiatric factors that contribute to drug addiction are seen by some as key areas that need more attention. It’s a complex issue, and solving it would require a multi-pronged approach.
Ending the prohibition of drugs and regulating them, similar to alcohol or nicotine, comes up as a possible solution to the issue. It could potentially lower the cost of drugs, which may reduce the criminal activities associated with addiction. This approach would need international cooperation and regulation, something that seems difficult to achieve.
Another point of view expressed involves the potential for this mission to morph into something larger. The size of the deployment is described as potentially “invasionary level troop levels” and it is speculated that this could be a precursor to a more extensive military operation, possibly in Venezuela. Some feel the presence of the military may be for more than just combating cartels.
The timing of the deployment is also noted. The article mentions that it’s hurricane season in the Caribbean, which could add a layer of complexity to the mission.
The history of the “war on drugs” itself is questioned. Some people are skeptical about the effectiveness of these types of interventions and express concerns that this latest effort will lead to more of the same—a costly endeavor that doesn’t solve the core problem.
The idea of going after cartels is described by some as a futile effort, a “whack-a-mole” game. The source of the problem, they argue, lies in the high demand for drugs within the US. Some even suggest that the economic incentives are working against real solutions, since powerful people benefit from prohibition and enforcement.
There’s a concern that the focus on supply reduction, rather than addressing demand and the underlying social issues, will only strengthen the cartels, making them more lucrative. Some view the deployment as a “pointless fake theatrical performance” that will likely lead to failure.
Several individuals mention that the US should focus on helping the countries that produce these products. People often join cartels and get involved in the drug trade because of poverty. The underlying issues need to be addressed.
Other perspectives consider this as another way to engage in a war, and that any time money and government are involved, it creates problems. The idea of the mission escalating or being used for purposes beyond its stated goal is brought up. The mention of specific locations like the offshore oil fields of Guyana, which are of interest to companies such as Chevron, further fuels speculation about potential ulterior motives.
Some people express concern regarding the lack of detective work and the ability to identify and target cartel members. The fear of civilian casualties is also discussed. There is also an overall sentiment of skepticism about the true goals of the mission, with some suggesting it may be a prelude to another war in the region.
There is also a worry this could be a political move designed to further political ambitions, or a political tool, by claiming that the US is at war. The fact that the military is deployed in a place that some feel is “not a bad place to be deployed” also seems to stir some controversy.